Over 10,000 welfare recipients lost money over municipal mistake

An error at over 200 municipalities resulted in an estimated 10 thousand to 15 thousand welfare recipients with debts having more money seized from them than legally allowed, NOS reported based on a document from the association of Dutch municipalities VNG and the professional organization for bailiffs KBvG, which the broadcaster has in its possession. The seizure-free rate is meant to ensure that people have enough money left over to live on if their income is seized due to debts. As a result, the holiday allowance was counted as regular income and municipalities withheld dozens of euros per month extra for the bailiffs. The Ministry of Social Affairs told NOS that a solution is being sought for the victims who did not get their money back, but added that the bailiffs are responsible for this solution.